1 Reference Sheet Development Functional and Structural Groups –What are the Criteria for Groups? –Inappropriate Groups –Priorities –Lumping and Splitting –Reference Descriptions Remaining Indicators Discussions and Exercises

2 Reference Sheet Development Must develop Reference State descriptions for each indicator, if they are not available Done with a group of experts –Have knowledge of the ecological site –Include multiple disciplines, multiple agencies, academics, ranchers and interested NGO’s Compile all resources –Ecological site descriptions, soil surveys, maps, photos, scientific publications, etc.

3 Functional and Structural Groups Begin here –Most people are familiar with dominant plants –Lays groundwork for understanding other indicators Why use F/S groups not species? –Several species on an ecological site may fill a similar functional or structural role. Dominance order of the group is important

4 What are criteria for F/S Groups? Functional Groups –Life Cycle (History) & Phenology Annual or Perennial Early vs. Late-season growth –Photosynthetic Pathways C3, C4 or CAM –Nitrogen-fixing ability

5 What are criteria for F/S Groups? Structure –Growth Form Tree, shrub, forb, graminoid, succulent, vine Tall, Short Rooting form for forbs (tap vs. fibrous) Clonal form (rhizomatous vs. bunchgrass) Biological Soil Crusts

6 Inappropriate Functional and Structural Grouping Criteria Palatability –Relates to an animal’s preference not F/S Color of foliage or flowers –Does not impact F/S groups Origin –Native or Introduced not F/S groups

7 Suggested Priorities for Groups Structure –List major growth forms (tree, shrub, grass) Can subdivide using height groups (tall vs. short) Function –Annual vs. Perennial (on most ecological sites perennials will dominate) –Photosynthetic Pathways Most sites C3 vs C4 grasses –Nitrogen-fixing –Phenology (early vs. late season)

8 Lumping and Splitting Consider plant communities in alternative states vs. the reference state. –Represent the major F/S groups that can dominate the site in reference state and any alternative states. –Are there F/S groups that will never dominate? If so, consider lumping them with other group Retain important subdominant groups (e.g. forbs) –Do not have single species F/S group Exception – If it will likely dominate the site

9 F/S Reference Description Dominant > 40% composition Subdominant = 11 – 40 % composition Minor < 11 % composition –Describe groups that will be dominant and subdominant in the reference state and under what conditions might they change dominance and remain within the reference state Example – Sage & grass co-dominate without fire and grass dominates with recent fire.

10 The Other Indicators Annual Production (Indicator 15) –Lbs/acre ranging from drought to wet years. Order of the remainder is your choice.

11 Sandy Ecological Site